John F. Schwandt

John F. Schwandt, age 87, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.  Pastor Benjamin Radtke will officiate.  Music will be provided by Julie Sulzle as organist.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and prior to the service.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.  Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown.  Honorary pallbearers will be John’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Active pallbearers will be Rick Jacobson, Nick Jacobson, Doug Jones, Andrew Zemlicka, Doug Mahanke, and Nathan Pederson.

John was born on December 26, 1937, in Watertown, SD, to Frederick and Helen (Landdeck) Schwandt.  He grew up on the family farm in the Watertown area and graduated from Watertown High School.  After high school John enlisted in the National Guard. 

On June, 24, 1978, John married the love of his life, Susan Wallis in Watertown, SD. Together they made their home on the farm and farmed alongside his father and brother.

John worked on the family farm until his retirement. Before his retirement he worked for the South Dakota Livestock Auction for many years. During his retirement he worked for Park and Rec & for the county, helping to keep our parks neat. 

John was a lifelong member of St. Martins. In John's free time he enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and maintaining his large garden.

John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Susan; two sons, Robert (Angie) Rieffenberger and Troy (Lana) Schwandt; one daughter, Amy (Shawn) Purintun; a bonus daughter, Holly Popkes, and her two children Taytum and Joey; grandchildren, Sierra, Gavin, Colton (Myla), Riley, and Jeremy; two great-grandchildren, Blake and Esmae; one sister, Dorothy Hoff; many nieces and nephews; and his great companion Peanut.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Helen; brother, Robert; sister, Marge; brothers-in-law Robert and Steve; and sister-in-law Patricia.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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